Battery Capacity Formula:
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Amp hours (Ah) is a unit of electric charge that measures a battery's capacity. It represents how much current a battery can supply over a specific time period. One amp hour means a battery can deliver one amp of current for one hour.
The calculator uses the basic formula:
Where:
Explanation: This simple multiplication gives the total charge capacity of a battery. For example, a battery that provides 5 amps for 2 hours has a capacity of 10Ah.
Details: Knowing a battery's amp hour rating helps determine how long it will last under specific loads, essential for designing power systems and selecting appropriate batteries.
Tips: Enter the current draw in amps and the desired runtime in hours. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp hours (Ah) measure charge capacity, while watt hours (Wh) measure energy capacity (Ah × Voltage).
Q2: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Cold temperatures typically reduce available capacity, while high temperatures can increase capacity but reduce battery life.
Q3: Can I use this for all battery types?
A: Yes, the formula applies to all battery chemistries (Li-ion, Lead-acid, etc.), though actual performance may vary.
Q4: What is C-rate in batteries?
A: C-rate indicates charge/discharge current relative to capacity (1C = full capacity in 1 hour, 0.5C = full capacity in 2 hours).
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This gives theoretical capacity. Real-world factors like age, temperature, and discharge rate affect actual performance.